Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect the fact that Jefferson County Public Schools has canceled school on Friday.

School districts across the state called off school Friday so that teachers can travel to Frankfort, and the state's largest district will follow suit.

"JCPS schools will be closed Friday, April 13, 2018, due to more than 2,500 teacher absences," a district statement said.

The district also canceled class on March 30, the day of an unofficial sickout by teachers. That decision was made at 4:45 a.m., when there were 1,237 requested teacher absences and several hundred more anticipated, district spokesman Daniel Kemp said. JCPS employs roughly 6,600 teachers.

In JCPS, the requested absences would have meant 123 schools with unfilled classrooms. Around 20 schools had double-digit teacher absences, Kemp said.

That sickout was not called for by the statewide teachers union or its local affiliate. But for Friday, the Kentucky Education Association put out a call for teachers to use personal or professional leave, if possible, and head to Frankfort for what they dubbed a "day of action."

The local parent-teacher association said in a statement that the group supports teachers and safety. "Obviously if teachers are not in the classroom, and if that provides an unsafe environment for the students, then school should not be in session."

Autumn Neagle, a JCPS parent and the 15th District PTA president, said the parent response to teacher rallies was "overwhelmingly positive."

Their biggest hang up, she said, is not getting advance notice.

"It is a complex problem. It's hard to grasp, but I think when parents understand it, they understand what's going on and they are supportive," Neagle said.

In announcing a Friday closure, some districts acknowledged officials made an early decision to try to allow for time for parents to plan accordingly.

Susan Ellis, a literacy teacher at Breckinridge/Franklin Elementary used a bullhorn to rally suppoters of teachers and public education, during a raly outside the school. April 12, 2018. By Pat McDonogh / CJ

Emilie Blanton, who teaches English at Southern High School, and is the JCTA representative for the school, leads teachers and students back into the school during a walk-in at the school on Thursday morning.
April 12, 2018 Michael Clevenger/Louisville Courier Journal

Molly Lange, left, an E.S.L. teacher, and Sarah Hodge, right, a Freshman English teacher, rally in front of Southern High School on Thursday morning.
April 12, 2018 Michael Clevenger/Louisville Courier Journal

Emilie Blanton, right, who teaches English at Southern High School, and is the JCTA representative for the school, leads teachers and students during a rally and walk-in at the school on Thursday morning.
April 12, 2018 Michael Clevenger/Louisville Courier Journal

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Scott County Schools, for example, wrote on Facebook that they "understand that this is a decision that also affects families and local businesses, and wanted to provide as much advance notice as possible."

"We apologize for any scheduling conflicts this may cause and appreciate your ongoing support for our teachers and staff," the post said.

Teachers and support staff "answered the call to advocate" and many want to continue that effort, Superintendent Manny Caulk wrote.

“Our nation is built on a commitment to educate every child and there is no better investment in the future of the Commonwealth,” he said. “I believe in public schools. I am a living testament to the difference a great teacher can make in the life of a child and I want that same positive experience for all of our FCPS students.”